Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) — Study in the Netherlands for Free Application
If you have been dreaming of studying in Europe but worry about the cost of even applying, Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) in the Netherlands has removed one of the biggest early barriers: the application fee. BUas charges zero application fees for all international students — including students from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, India, Pakistan, Egypt, Brazil, and beyond. You can apply to a world-class Dutch university without spending a single euro just to submit your documents.
This makes BUas one of the most accessible and student-friendly universities in the Netherlands for international applicants. Whether you are applying for a Bachelor’s or a Master’s programme, the application process is completely free of charge. And beyond free applications, BUas also offers tuition reductions of up to €3,000 in year one for eligible non-EU/EEA students, making it one of the most financially considerate universities in Western Europe.
Overview of Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas)
Breda University of Applied Sciences is a government-accredited university located in Breda, in the south of the Netherlands. BUas is internationally recognised for its applied, industry-integrated approach to higher education. Rather than purely theoretical learning, BUas students work on real-world projects with industry partners from day one — giving graduates a powerful edge in the global job market.
BUas offers English-taught programmes across several exciting and high-demand fields:
- Tourism & Leisure Management
- Hotel & Facility Management
- Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
- Games (Design, Development, Business)
- Logistics & Supply Chain Management
- Media & Creative Industry
- Built Environment (Spatial Planning, Architecture)
If you are interested in studying Data Science, similar opportunities exist through the free MIT OpenCourseWare Introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science course, which can help you build foundational skills before your BUas application.
Eligibility Requirements
BUas welcomes international students from all over the world. Here is what you need to qualify:
Academic Requirements
- Bachelor’s applicants: A secondary school diploma equivalent to the Dutch havo or vwo certificate. Most standard West African, East African, South Asian, and Latin American secondary school leaving certificates are accepted, subject to evaluation.
- Master’s applicants: A completed Bachelor’s degree or university diploma equivalent to a Dutch Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
English Proficiency Requirements
- IELTS: Minimum 6.0 overall (with no band below 5.5)
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum 80
- Cambridge: B2 First (FCE) or higher
- Native English speakers or those educated in English-medium schools may be exempt — check the official admissions page for details.
Nationality
Open to international students worldwide. There is no restriction by country of origin. Students from Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya, South Africa, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, Morocco, Mexico, Colombia, and all other countries are eligible to apply.
Benefits and Funding
BUas makes studying in the Netherlands financially manageable in several important ways:
No Application Fee
Applying to BUas is completely free of charge. Unlike many European universities that charge between €50–€200 just to process your application, BUas charges nothing. This is especially valuable for students applying from Africa, Asia, and Latin America where application fees can be a genuine barrier.
Tuition Fees
- Bachelor’s programmes: €9,990 – €13,130 per year (for non-EU/EEA students)
- Master’s programmes: €15,200 – €17,250 per year (for non-EU/EEA students)
BUas Scholarships — Up to €3,000 Tuition Reduction
BUas offers tuition reduction scholarships for non-EU/EEA international students in their first year of study. These scholarships can reduce your tuition by up to €3,000, which meaningfully lowers the financial burden. Always check the official BUas scholarship page for current availability, as awards may vary by programme and intake year.
For students who want to explore fully funded study options alongside BUas, it is worth considering programmes like the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship, which covers full tuition and living costs for Master’s students across Europe.
Available Programmes at BUas
BUas programmes are distinctive because of their practical, project-based learning model. Students collaborate with companies, NGOs, and government bodies throughout their studies. This applied approach is particularly valued by employers in tourism, technology, logistics, and creative industries globally.
The university also maintains strong links with international hospitality brands, tech companies, game studios, and logistics firms — giving students internship and career placement opportunities from early in their studies.
How to Apply to BUas
The application process at BUas is straightforward, and because there is no application fee, you can begin without any financial commitment. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Choose your programme: Visit the BUas website and browse available English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes to find the one that matches your academic background and career goals.
- Check admission requirements: Each programme may have specific subject requirements. Confirm that your secondary school or university qualifications meet the Dutch equivalency standard.
- Prepare your documents: Typically required documents include certified copies of your academic transcripts and diplomas, a valid passport, proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/Cambridge), a motivation letter, and in some cases a portfolio or CV.
- Submit your application online: Apply through the official BUas application portal at no cost. The admissions team will review your application and may invite you for an interview or request additional documents.
- Receive your offer letter: If accepted, you will receive an offer letter. You can then proceed with visa arrangements (MVV/residence permit) and housing applications.
BUas operates on rolling admissions, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received. However, places are limited and programmes can fill up quickly, so it is strongly advisable to apply as early as possible. Always verify the most current intake deadlines on the official BUas admissions page.
If you are also exploring other no-fee application universities in the Netherlands, you may find our guide on Tilburg University’s no application fee policy for international students equally useful as part of your European study planning.
Important Dates
BUas operates on a rolling admissions basis, which means there is no single fixed deadline that applies to all applicants. Applications are reviewed continuously throughout the year. That said, the university strongly recommends applying several months before your intended start date to allow sufficient time for admissions review, visa processing, and housing arrangements.
Please visit the official BUas international admissions page for the most up-to-date intake periods and programme-specific deadlines.
Tips for International Applicants
- Apply early: Even though BUas uses rolling admissions, popular programmes fill up fast. Submitting your application months in advance gives you the best chance of securing a place and maximising scholarship opportunities.
- Tailor your motivation letter: BUas values practical, career-focused students. Your motivation letter should clearly explain why you chose your specific programme and how it connects to your professional goals.
- Sort out English proficiency early: If you haven’t taken IELTS or TOEFL yet, register for a test as soon as possible. Test slots fill up quickly in many countries, and you’ll need results before your application can be finalised.
- Research housing options early: Breda has a student housing market that can be competitive. BUas has partnerships with student housing providers, so check the university’s housing page immediately upon acceptance.
- Explore scholarship options alongside your admission: Apply for BUas’s own tuition reduction scholarship as well as external scholarships. For mid-career professionals, the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is another fully funded opportunity worth exploring.
- Verify your credential equivalency: Use the Dutch government’s Nuffic tool (nuffic.nl) to check whether your home country’s diploma is equivalent to the Dutch havo/vwo standard required for Bachelor’s entry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there truly no application fee at BUas for international students?
Yes. Breda University of Applied Sciences charges zero application fees for all international students, including those from non-EU/EEA countries. Applying is completely free of charge.
Can Nigerian and other African students apply to BUas?
Absolutely. BUas is open to international students from all countries worldwide, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, and all other African nations. There is no nationality restriction on applications.
What scholarships are available at BUas for non-EU students?
BUas offers tuition reduction scholarships of up to €3,000 in the first year for eligible non-EU/EEA students. Scholarship availability may vary by programme and intake year, so always check the official BUas scholarship page for current offers.
Do I need a visa to study at BUas in the Netherlands?
Most non-EU/EEA students will need a student visa (MVV — Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) and a residence permit to study in the Netherlands. BUas’s international office will guide accepted students through this process. Begin your visa arrangements as early as possible after receiving your offer letter.
Are BUas programmes taught in English?
Yes. BUas offers a range of fully English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes, specifically designed for international students. This is why English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge B2+) is a key admission requirement.
Start Your Application Today
Breda University of Applied Sciences offers a rare combination: a respected European university education, industry-integrated programmes in future-focused fields, zero application fees, and financial support through tuition reduction scholarships. For students from Nigeria, Ghana, India, Egypt, Brazil, and across the developing world, BUas represents a genuinely accessible pathway to a quality Dutch degree.
Don’t let cost be the reason you delay your European study dream. Since applying costs nothing, there is no reason not to take the first step today.
👉 Apply now on the official BUas International Admissions page and begin your journey to studying in the Netherlands.